Buffalo Grove native happy hockey sides reached deal, ready to compete

The U.S. Women's National Hockey Team will defend its gold medal in the 2017 IIHF Women's World Championship on home ice, starting Friday against archrival Canada at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Mich.

And yes, it will be the team - not a U.S. team of replacement players, as was a real possibility as recently as earlier this week.

USA Hockey and the U.S. Women's National Team announced late Tuesday that an agreement had been reached for groundbreaking support of the U.S. Women's National Team over the next four years, averting a possible team strike of the prestigious tournament.

"(The settlement) reflects everyone coming together and compromising in order to reach a resolution for the betterment of the sport," Jim Smith, president of USA Hockey and a suburban Chicago resident, said in a statement. "We'll now move forward together knowing we'll look back on this (settlement) as one of the most positive in the history of USA Hockey."

"Our sport is the big winner today," said Meghan Duggan, captain of the U.S. Women's National Team, said in a statement. "We stood up for what we thought was right and USA Hockey's leadership listened. In the end, both sides came together. I'm proud of my teammates and can't thank everyone who supported us enough. It's time now to turn the page. We can't wait to play in the World Championship in front of our fans as we try and defend our gold medal."

Financial terms of the deal were not released.

"I don't think we've ever been more prepared to start a tournament," said Megan Bozek, a defenseman for the U.S. Team and a Stevenson High School graduate. "I think (the agreement) went well on both sides. It was something that we had fought hard for (to change the landscape) for the future generation of women's hockey."

Bozek, a Buffalo Grove native, added: "We stood our ground; we didn't back off. That fight (and) determination that we put forward is a major reason we're able to play against Canada. A lot of people realized why we were fighting, why we were pushing so hard for something that is so passionate and close to us, something that will help women across the U.S."

So now Bozek and her teammates, including Kendall Coyne of Palos Heights (Sandburg), get to do what they do so well - skate, shoot and score. And win.

The U.S. has played Canada in the gold medal game in all 17 past IIHF Women's World Championship, dating back to 1990. The U.S. has claimed gold the last three years and seven times overall, including six of the last seven tournaments and seven of the last nine.

"I think we're all ready, prepared and determined to defend our gold medal," Bozek said. "We're looking forward to seeing a lot of red, white and blue (in the stands), and hopefully going for another gold medal."

Bozek's parents, Tom and Patti, will make the trek to Michigan to watch their favorite defenseman, in jersey No. 9.

"To be able to see the IIHF Women's World Championship live on home soil with friends and family is a thrill in itself," Tom Bozek said. "To actually have my daughter play and pull on that USA sweater to represent our country in the greatest game in the world is a lifetime memory."

And still memorable, and emotional, for Megan.

"The first time ever (wearing the U.S. jersey) … it's a moment you'll never forget," she said. "I still get chills putting on the jersey for every game. It's nerves, anxiety, happy feelings, and more."

The championship game of the IIHF Women's World Championship is April 7.

Bozek was part of a championship-winning team just weeks earlier, as well, when her Buffalo Beauts stunned the heavily favored Boston Pride to capture the Isobel Cup as the champions of the four-team National Women's Hockey League. The trophy is named for Frederick Stanley's daughter, he of Stanley Cup name fame.

"That was very exciting," Bozek said of the NWHL title. "We were battling between third- and fourth-place all season, but just came ready to play (in the playoffs)."

Bozek had a blistering slap shot goal less than 2 minutes into the game against Boston. She said the title ranks "right up there," among all her magical, on-ice memories, including two NCAA titles at the University of Minnesota and gold medals for the U.S.

"Hearing the back story (on the name of the Cup) is great," she added.

Bozek will be in Arizona after the World Championship for her brother Dan's wedding, and she plans to return to Chicago over the next few months, ideally to watch both Blackhawks and Cubs games in person.

"That would be great, ideal," she said.